Our People in NSW
Jonathan Battle - Career choice leads Rathmines soldier to East Timor
Corporal Jonathan Battle, a former Rathmines bicycle shop worker, is proud to be serving his country as part of Operation Astute in East Timor.
“I wanted a career which would give me the opportunity to one day make a difference to someone’s life, serve the community, and my country. I did not want an ordinary job” Jonathan said.
Normally based in Townsville with 3CER, Corporal Battle (26) is working as an orderly room corporal with the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in Dili which is assisting the Government of East Timor and UN to maintain stability and security in the country.
“My role is to ensure that the administration for the personnel in my company is conducted efficiently and in a timely manner. I also supervise the interpreters who work in the headquarters area,” Jonathan said.
“As a corporal you have more responsibility and more is expected of you. You are relied on to provide accurate and timely advice to all members of your group on all aspects of their administration.
East Timor is Jonathan’s first operational deployment overseas, and he has had an opportunity to see some of the countryside.
“My highlight so far was taking a Blackhawk flight from Dili to Bacau and out to the far eastern end of the Island. It was a great opportunity to see a lot of the country that you may otherwise not get to see,” he said.
Jonathan’s second child will be born while he is away, and he plans to spend the time when he gets home bonding with his new baby and his one year old daughter.
Jonathan is one some 650 Australian Defence Force personnel now serving in East Timor with Operation Astute
The operation is part of the Australian Government's response to a request from the Government of East Timor to assist in bringing stability, security and confidence to the East Timorese.